Five Elegant Wedding Dresses Designed to Inspire

If you’re a bride looking for a timeless wedding dress that you’ll love just as much now as you will decades later, elegant wedding dresses are the style for you! From simple dresses to gowns fit for a princess, elegance can be achieved regardless of your silhouette preference. Read on for five elegant wedding dresses that may inspire your bridal look! 

An elegant wedding dress stands the test of time. It looks just as stunning today as it did decades ago and will be just as beautiful many years from now. These gowns are less trendy and more classic in silhouette, fabric and embellishments—think a mermaid gown in lace or a simple yet showstopping ballgown in satin. When choosing an elegant wedding dress, keep these tips in mind: 

1. Take inspiration from iconic gowns of the past. Grace Kelly, Kate Middleton and many other brides in the spotlight have worn dresses that are still loved and serve as inspiration for designers and brides today! 

2. Choose a bridal gown that makes you feel confident! The way you carry yourself in your gown instantly elevates your look. Having a talented seamstress to alter your dress to fit your shape will also help you feel your best. Confidence is the best accessory to ANY wedding gown. 

3. Are you a modern bride who  wants an elegant look? Both modern brides and classic brides can find elegant wedding dresses  they love— opt for a dress with eye-catching but not over-the-top details for a more modern touch, such as an asymmetrical neckline or tasteful slit in the skirt. There are so many modern wedding dresses that fit into the modern yet elegant category, so there is no need to worry!  

A simple, elegant wedding dress will stand the test of time and is a beautiful choice if you love to accessorize! Stella York Style 7045 is an excellent example. This style brings timeless bridal glamour with its straight-across neckline and optional lace-beaded trim for a more dramatic yet timeless look.  

The skirt flares into a stunning ballgown for the ultimate walk down the aisle, complete with fabric-covered buttons adorning the train. A belt at the natural waist adds a delicate touch to this striking silhouette, which is a key example of how small details can have a significant impact. The best part? This gown has pockets!  

Mermaid bridal gowns are a gorgeous option for the brides who want to show off their shape and love red carpet-inspired looks. So, what makes a mermaid gown elegant? Classic lace, long sleeves or an off-the-shoulder neckline are all fabulous details to watch out for, and it just so happens that Essense of Australia Style D4115 has all three features!  

With head-to-toe graphic lace encrusted with shimmering beadwork, this wedding dress is subtly sparkly and unforgettably elegant. The defined bustline is adorned with swirling laces over Chantilly lace for an oh-so-glamorous bridal look. The long sleeves give this gown an added vintage feel, with fabric-covered buttons at the cuff for a truly timeless look. 

Long sleeves are perhaps one of the most elegant bridal details, especially when they are lace! For the sophisticated bride with a sexy side, Essense of Australia Style D3379 is sleek, chic and modern!  

This lace wedding gown is truly a showstopper with an open back to bring some drama to your wedding day look. Buttons at the cuffs of the sleeves add a touch of timeless bridal glam, while the simple fitted skirt shows off your shape and allows the bodice and sleeves to shine. Did we mention the train? Swoon-worthy! 

A ballgown wedding dress is always a classic and elegant silhouette! Essense of Australia Style D3314 features stunning nature-inspired lace that adorns the bodice of this 1950s vintage wedding dress. The slightly sheer bodice adds a touch of sexiness, perfectly complementing the traditional ballgown silhouette. A subtle V in the back leads to classic fabric-covered buttons and lace appliqués cascading down the skirt and train for a romantic, cohesive look.  

From the plunging V-neckline to the perfectly placed off-the-shoulder straps, this gown is so beautiful and chic that you’ll love your elegant ballgown just as much now as you will in the years to come. Do you love this style? We have so many more ballgown wedding dresses to choose from! 

The key to a classy, elegant wedding dress is showing off your shape while not being over the top, and Stella York Style 7478 will help you do just that. This long-sleeve wedding dress fits within the category of modern dresses while still being classically bridal in its aesthetic. Intricate, swirling graphic lace patterns decorate the bodice of this elegant wedding dress, while the plunging V-neckline adds a touch of sexiness.  

The sleeves are breathtaking, with lace motifs placed on top of delicate Chantilly lace for a dimensional look. The skirt is sleek and simple, with soft crepe material effortlessly hugging the body’s natural curves, while the train features intricate lace appliqués for a sophisticated, timeless look on your special day. 

For even more wedding day elegance, don’t forget about the accessories! A pair of earrings, a headpiece or a veil can elevate already elegant wedding dresses to the next level. A simple or lace-trimmed cathedral length veil is always a timeless choice, as is a pair of pearl or crystal drop earrings or a crystal headpiece or comb. The key is in not over-accessorizing. When in doubt, simplicity is always best! 

These are only a few Essense of Australia and Stella York elegant wedding dresses you can choose from for your big day! Ready to see more in person? Find a bridal shop near you that carries the elegant wedding dress of your dreams, or explore even more bridal gowns for the ultimate wedding dress inspiration.